In a clinical breakdown of what sent the crowd packed with Federer fans into near delirium, Cilic, 27, outlined how the match turned.

“In the fourth set, actually on two of the break points that I had 15-40 (in the opening game), I missed on both times second serve returns. They’re the ones I regret most,” the 2014 U.S. Open winner said.

In contrast to the celebrations in the Federer camp and among ther Swiss maestro’s celebrity supporters such as David Beckham, the Cilic team, led by 2001 champion Goran Ivanisevic, gave little cheer – even when their man was ahead.

“Especially in these kind of matches, nobody is going to laugh and smile. No time for that. Have to be … very careful,” he said. “… after the match, we didn’t speak. I hardly spoke a word since then.”

Despite being given the silent treatment, Cilic credits countryman Ivanisevic for bringing him back towards the form that saw him lift the title at Flushing Meadows after they started working together in 2013.

“He brought a lot to my game,” he said. “Today’s match can give me guidance to improvement. It just shows me when I’m playing great game, great tennis, I can compete with the best guys, even be on top of them. That’s a positive part.”